Our Family
Our children are at the heart of our home and why we do what we do. Our home is for them, to give them the life that all children deserve. With 17 kids living together, the home is always busy and full of laughter. They have a strong sense of family and we know that even when they grow up and move away, this will always be the place they call home. We are so proud of our children and we welcome any support that you can give us to help them to be happy, fulfilled and successful adults.
All of our children go to Private Schools where they learn English and we can ensure they get the best education to prepare them for adulthood. Unfortunately government schools are overcrowded, underfunded and understaff so paying for private school is the best way to ensure the children will get a quality education with a wide range of subjects and opportunities. They speak both English and Swahili at home. We intend to support the kids when they complete their Secondary Education so that ultimately they will be able to gain employment and take care of themselves. So far we have supported one of students in a hospitality course and she went on to get a job at a hotel. Currently, our eldest who is 19 years, is studying a certificate in Community Health. She will continue to live at home until she feels ready to move out into the world and even then, we will always welcome her as part of our family.
We plan to care for 20 kids so that we can offer as many children as possible the chance at a great life, while still maintaining a close knit family unit. We take each step at a time to ensure that our progress is sustainable in the long term. We have made a life-long commitment to our Ujamaa Family and we intend to provide the best possible care to all the children we take in, until they are able to properly care for themselves.
All of our children go to Private Schools where they learn English and we can ensure they get the best education to prepare them for adulthood. Unfortunately government schools are overcrowded, underfunded and understaff so paying for private school is the best way to ensure the children will get a quality education with a wide range of subjects and opportunities. They speak both English and Swahili at home. We intend to support the kids when they complete their Secondary Education so that ultimately they will be able to gain employment and take care of themselves. So far we have supported one of students in a hospitality course and she went on to get a job at a hotel. Currently, our eldest who is 19 years, is studying a certificate in Community Health. She will continue to live at home until she feels ready to move out into the world and even then, we will always welcome her as part of our family.
We plan to care for 20 kids so that we can offer as many children as possible the chance at a great life, while still maintaining a close knit family unit. We take each step at a time to ensure that our progress is sustainable in the long term. We have made a life-long commitment to our Ujamaa Family and we intend to provide the best possible care to all the children we take in, until they are able to properly care for themselves.
All of our children are orphaned either through the death of their parent/s or by abandonment or they are vulnerable due to abuse or neglect. We focus on children who have no option for reunification. Some have relatives who visit but are unable to care for them.
Our Staff
We could not do anything without the incredibly dedicated staff who care for our children every single day.
Our House Manager Fatuma is kind, generous and works hard to make sure the home runs smoothly. She manages expenses, the staff and all general needs for the home. She is also a single mother of two gorgeous little boys!
Deborah is our Matron, she manages all the kids' schedules and the facilitates the day to day running of the home. Keeping track of what 17 children need for school and at home is quite a task. Deborah is a superstar!
We have Agnes, Felista, Lucy, Sarafina and Mai who work throughout the week to support with cooking, cleaning and child care, and there are always 2 staff on duty overnight. They have each worked with children for many years (most of them are also mothers!) and they do a great job of keeping our house clean and organised. They assist in any way they can and enjoy spending time with the kids.
Tatu, our Tanzanian Social Worker, is there to give advice and support to both the children and our staff. She is also an experienced teacher so she is available to help with homework too!
We also have our bus driver, Emmanuel, who gets the kids to and from school and helps Fatuma & Deborah with shopping, paying bills and anything else they need to do around town. Our Groundskeeper keeps our home looking good and takes care of the vegetable garden.
Karah is our greatest asset and has over 15 years experience as a Manager, Teacher and Social Worker - as well as being a mother of 3! Karah oversees all the financial, educational and emotional support for the home as well as staff training. What a team!
Our House Manager Fatuma is kind, generous and works hard to make sure the home runs smoothly. She manages expenses, the staff and all general needs for the home. She is also a single mother of two gorgeous little boys!
Deborah is our Matron, she manages all the kids' schedules and the facilitates the day to day running of the home. Keeping track of what 17 children need for school and at home is quite a task. Deborah is a superstar!
We have Agnes, Felista, Lucy, Sarafina and Mai who work throughout the week to support with cooking, cleaning and child care, and there are always 2 staff on duty overnight. They have each worked with children for many years (most of them are also mothers!) and they do a great job of keeping our house clean and organised. They assist in any way they can and enjoy spending time with the kids.
Tatu, our Tanzanian Social Worker, is there to give advice and support to both the children and our staff. She is also an experienced teacher so she is available to help with homework too!
We also have our bus driver, Emmanuel, who gets the kids to and from school and helps Fatuma & Deborah with shopping, paying bills and anything else they need to do around town. Our Groundskeeper keeps our home looking good and takes care of the vegetable garden.
Karah is our greatest asset and has over 15 years experience as a Manager, Teacher and Social Worker - as well as being a mother of 3! Karah oversees all the financial, educational and emotional support for the home as well as staff training. What a team!
Watch this Award Winning Short Documentary "My African Home" written and directed by Carley Mchome (formerly Andrews)
Filmed in 2013 it provides insight into the establishment of our home and where our kids come from.
Filmed in 2013 it provides insight into the establishment of our home and where our kids come from.